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How To Say Goodnight in French

The French culture appreciates when you’re able to greet someone politely at different times of the day. If you plan to visit a French-speaking country, one of the most important greetings phrases to learn is how to say “Goodnight.” From bonjour meaning good morning or hello to bonne après-midi meaning good afternoon, there is also a common phrase used for later in the night – bonne nuit.

Bonne nuit – This is the most common way to say goodnight in French. Bonne nuit literally means “Goodnight” and can be used the same way as in English. This French greetings phrase is often used when ending activity for the day or late night.

What’s more, bonne nuit literality means “sleep well” in English. It is what you say before leaving someone who is going to bed. You can use the phrase to say goodbye when parting ways for the rest of the evening, or when wishing or tucking your kids into bed at night. However, if you want to wish the person to have a pleasant evening, you can say “bonne soirée.” By saying this, you’re telling the person goodbye after closing for the day. As you continue staying in the country, you are likely to hear people say bonne soirée or bonne nuit during the evening or at night, respectively.

Few Examples of when to say Goodnight in French
Goodnight my love. Sweet dreams! – Bonne nuit mon amour. Fais de beaux rêves!
He turned and said, Goodnight, Ella. – Il se retourna et dit: Bonne nuit, Ella.
Taylor hugged and kissed Anna goodnight. – Taylor étreint et embrassa Anna bonne nuit.
Have a good evening – Passez une bonne soirée.